Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White added to Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad for World Cup qualifiers
Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White added to Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad for World Cup qualifiers
Morgan Gibbs-White has been belatedly called into the England squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers.
The Nottingham Forest man, who has originally left out of Thomas Tuchel’s initial group, has been added, with Chelsea’s Cole Palmer expected to miss the ties with Albania and Latvia.
Palmer missed the defeat to Arsenal and is expected to have a scan on a muscle injury.
That has opened the door for the Reds captain, whose omission prompted considerable comment – and criticism from the Forest fans as their side ripped Ipswich Town apart at Portman Road yesterday.
However, that’s been put right now, with the move being confirmed on England Football’s website which read: “Morgan Gibbs-White has been added to the England squad.
“The Nottingham Forest midfielder will now report to St. George’s Park alongside the rest of the squad ahead of the Three Lions’ opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia at Wembley Stadium.
“Gibbs-White, a 2023 UEFA U21 EURO winner, made his senior debut last September and has two caps to his name.”
Ex-England captain Alan Shearer was surprised the 25-year-old wasn’t called up first time.
“He is very, very unlucky not to be in the England squad when you look at other players who are and when you look at his performances this season,” Shearer said on the BBC’s highlights show. “He has been one of the outstanding players for Nottingham Forest.
“But if he keeps on playing the way he is – and there is no doubt that he can do – he will be in England squads in the future, I’ve got no doubt about it.”
Speaking after the win at Ipswich, Nuno played the situation down and said: “What they have to do is what they did today – work and play good. For sure, the next chance will be in front of them.
“What they have to do is stay focused and stay humble. For sure, Thomas Tuchel will look at our players and take them because they are talented players and they can help England.
“I didn’t have to speak to them about it. I think they are experienced enough to realise that in this world of football there are decisions to be made and respect to those who make the decisions.”
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